Three of the world's best snowboards

Emulate the Olympians and master the mountains riding one of the best snowboards in the world

Published: Wednesday 14th February 2018

The Winter Olympics is thrilling fans around the world, with snowboarding proving one of the most popular events.

You mightn't be able to compete with the likes of Shaun White but you can certainly follow them down the slopes.

Whether you're a first-time snowboarder or a seasoned expert, it's hard to overstate the important of good equipment.

Our friends at White Lines have selected three of the finest snowboards in the world for your consideration.

Hear the expert opinion and decide which is the right board for you.

Now onto that mountain!

Best Snowboards

The Burton Instigator

Best for: Beginners

The Burton Instigator is new for this winter, and has already made a name for itself as the ideal choice for entry-level snowboarders. Obviously its performance is a little lacking in some areas but that shouldn’t concern a newbie. Its slightly directional shape is more effective than ‘true twin’ boards when you’re getting to grips with those first turns, and the flat profile is less likely to catch on the piste.

The Burton Instigator

Best for: Beginners

Best of all, the Instigator is pretty damn hard to outgrow; many an expert rider has bought one to use as a fun, affordable ‘resort’ board for when the conditions rule out any powder-chasing. For more info, see White Lines

Gnu Müllair

Best for: Serious Freeriders

Even after decades in the game, Nicolas Müller remains popular thanks to his effortless style in the backcountry. For the last couple of winters he’s ridden the Gnu Müllair, his own pro model with American-based board builders Gnu. Its cambered profile delivers plenty of power and pop, making it ideal for boosting off natural features, and it’s just stiff enough to be stable at speed without feeling too much like a plank.

Gnu Müllair

Best for: Serious Freeriders

If it hasn’t snowed in a while, the Müllair’s wavy edges ensure you get maximum grip on even the iciest terrain. However, it’s in the deep stuff that it really comes into its own. For more info, see White Lines

Head Instinct i.KERS

Best for: Annual Trippers

It may be better known for their line of racing skis, but Head also does a fine line in snowboards. The Head Instinct i.KERS is a quality all-rounder that boasts some truly remarkable tech features, chief of which is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System that will be familiar to F1 fans.

Head Instinct i.KERS

Best for: Annual Trippers

It also features graphene, the one-atom-thick ‘miracle material’, that reduces the board’s weight without compromising strength and stability. If all of this sounds like it’ll be a bit expensive, then you’ll be pleased to learn that the Head Instinct i.KERS comes in at a very reasonable £425. For more info, see White Lines